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Multiple injured in Clearwater DUI ahead of Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign

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Published  December 13, 2024 10:54pm EST
Pinellas County
FOX 13 News

Officer hurt in DUI crash

FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis reports on five people being injured in a drunk driving crash on the eve of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign in Clearwater.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - A Clearwater Police officer and five people were injured in a drunk driving crash on the eve of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

The crash happened on the Courtney Campbell Causeway around 10:30 on Thursday, Dec. 13. 

Picture of police crashed police car after Courtney Campbell Causeway DUI.

Picture of police crashed police car after Courtney Campbell Causeway DUI.

A car stalled in an eastbound lane. The driver's family pulled behind them, followed by a cruiser with lights on. 

READ: Suspected drunk driver granted bond weeks after teen hit, killed while riding scooter

Jerry Sandefur Jr. is accused of traveling 55 to 60 mph in a U-Haul pickup and slamming into the cruiser, which then collided with the two other vehicles. 

Sandefur Jr. is accused of being under the influence.

Mugshot of Jerry Sandefur Jr.

Mugshot of Jerry Sandefur Jr.

Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy said incidents like this are all too common. 

"During the holidays, during this time of year, there are increases in that kind of behavior," Gandy said. "These are always devastating and have the potential to be deadly."

According to the NHTSA's recent records, December drunk driving deaths nationwide are the highest in 15 years. 

During the 2022 holiday season, 281 people were killed by drunk driving.

READ: Candlelight vigil remembers lives lost to drunk driving in Temple Terrace

The Clearwater Police Department is among multiple other agencies in Tampa Bay taking part in this Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. 

A Clearwater patrol car after a DUI.

A Clearwater patrol car after a DUI.

"We have a traffic team and DUI specialist that do special initiatives throughout the holiday season," Gandy said. "If we get complaints of speeding on US-19 or reckless driving in a certain area, we deploy resources out there to address those problems."

Gandy encourages residents to take advantage of ride-sharing services and carpooling with a designated sober driver this holiday season.

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